The City of Toronto is reminding residential property owners that they are halfway to the 2025 Vacant Home Tax (VHT) deadline. Property owners are encouraged to act now to ensure declarations are made on time and well ahead of April 30, 2026.
To date, more than 80 per cent of residential property owners have submitted their 2025 occupancy declaration.
Since the Vacant Home Tax came into effect in 2022, the number of vacant homes in Toronto has declined. Vacant properties decreased from 6,944 in 2022 to 5,989 in 2024, and early indications suggest the Vacant Home Tax is helping to increase housing availability in Toronto.
All residential property owners must submit a declaration every year, even if the home is their main residence. If no declaration is received by April 30, the property may be considered vacant and taxed.
How to declare
Property owners may submit their VHT declaration through one of the following channels:
Property owners who file their VHT declaration online will receive a confirmation number. If an email address is provided, a confirmation notice will also be sent. Declarations submitted by phone or in person will also receive a confirmation number. Declarations may be audited and supporting documentation may be requested. Information on how to update or correct a declaration is available on the City's VHT webpage.
The VHT supports key initiatives under the City’s HousingTO 2020–2030 Action Plan including the Multi-Unit Residential Acquisition program and capital repairs to Toronto Community Housing Corporation units.
About VHT
The VHT applies to residential properties in Toronto that were unoccupied for more than six months during the previous calendar year, unless the property is the owner’s principal residence, is occupied by an eligible resident or qualifies for an exemption. The VHT is designed to encourage the efficient use of existing housing stock and support a fairer, more accessible housing system.
Exemptions may apply in cases such as the death of the owner, major renovations, long-term care or hospitalization, court orders restricting occupancy or occupancy by a tenant or eligible family member.
For the 2025 taxation year, the VHT, as approved by Toronto City Council, remains at three per cent of a property’s Current Value Assessment, as determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.
Property owners who disagree with their property’s vacancy status will have an opportunity to dispute the tax in accordance with the City’s VHT dispute process.
For further information about the VHT including how to declare and available exemptions call 311 or visit the City’s VHT webpage.
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